COSTA MESA, Calif., July 18 (Our Newport Beach) — The 2026 Orange County Fair opened Friday at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, beginning a monthlong run through Aug. 16 with food, carnival rides, live entertainment, exhibits and shopping.
This year’s theme is “Your Adventure Awaits!” OC Fair & Event Center said. The fair is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. It is closed Monday and Tuesday.
General admission is $13 on Wednesday and Thursday and $18 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Seniors 65 and older pay $10, children ages 6 to 12 pay $9 and children 5 and younger are admitted free.
Parking is listed at $15 for cars and motorcycles and $30 for buses and limos. The fair said tickets are on sale now and advance purchase is required because of limited daily capacity.
OC Fair & Event Center said admission tickets are not sold at the gates during the fair and warned that days will sell out. An Every Day Passport costs $60 and allows admission on any day of the fair with no blackout dates, while quantities are limited.
The fair said entertainment is scheduled at Pacific Amphitheatre, Action Sports Arena and The Hangar. Carnival ride and game tickets are available through the RCS Fun Pass app or at RCS ticket booths, and discounted carnival tickets and wristbands are available online through opening day.
